Assad Faces Pressure for Departure Amid Military Offensive and Diplomatic Offers

Officials from Egypt and Jordan have reportedly suggested to President Assad that he leave Syria and form an interim council with opposition representatives. Assad has asked Turkey for intervention and military support from nearby countries but has been rebuffed. The situation is further complicated by an ongoing offensive from Syrian rebels, particularly affecting the critical city of Homs, which could spell doom for Assad’s regime if lost.

On December 6, 2023, The Wall Street Journal reported that Egyptian and Jordanian officials proposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that he vacate Syria and establish an interim council incorporating opposition members. However, the Jordanian Embassy in the United States has refuted these claims. As of that date, Assad remains within Syria despite escalating concerns regarding the stability of his administration, particularly given the ongoing military actions in the region.

There are growing anxieties amongst various Arab nations, including Qatar and the UAE, about the potential for the Syrian government to collapse. Reports indicate that Assad has solicited military aid from Turkey and neighboring countries, yet those requests have been declined. The situation remains precarious, particularly in the city of Homs, the last significant urban area under government control, as its loss may severely compromise Assad’s regime. The International Crisis Group’s senior analyst, Jerome Drevon, remarked, “If Homs falls, I don’t see how the regime will be able to survive.”

Meanwhile, Syrian rebels have intensified their offensive in the northwestern Idlib province, where they have successfully seized control of several key locations. This operation is notably supported by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group and elements of the Syrian National Army. Concurrently, Russian military forces are engaged in counteractions against these militants, conducting airstrikes on their bases and supply routes. The Syrian army has recently indicated a strategic withdrawal from Hama, one of the largest cities, citing it as a necessary measure to protect civilians.

The situation in Syria remains fluid, with the implications of these developments posing significant challenges to the Assad government amid pressures both from domestic uprisings and international relations. The consistency of external support and internal stability will ultimately dictate the future of Assad’s regime and the broader geopolitical landscape of the region.

The ongoing civil conflict in Syria has led to a complex web of alliances and enmities among regional powers. President Bashar al-Assad has faced significant opposition from various rebel groups, and there are increasing fears about the potential collapse of his government amidst heightened military activities. Nations such as Egypt and Jordan have become involved in diplomatic discussions about Assad’s future, indicating a shift in the geopolitical dynamics as Arab states express concerns about regional stability. The situation in Homs is particularly critical, given its strategic importance and the pressure it places on Assad’s control over the coastal regions where his support base resides.

In conclusion, the proposed negotiations involving Egyptian and Jordanian officials suggest a significant turning point in the struggle surrounding President Assad’s leadership in Syria. With ongoing military offensives by rebel forces and the precarious situation in Homs, the future of the Assad regime hangs in the balance. The next steps taken by both regional powers and the Syrian military will be crucial for determining the course of conflict and stability in the region going forward.

Original Source: eadaily.com